Looking back over a year’s worth of photos, the prairie weaves an ever-changing tale of drama, peace, microscopic detail, magnitude, and resilience. The seasons become less defined, and the decade I’ve spent helping build American Prairie Reserve blends in a single, long journey. As you scroll through our snapshots from the field, I hope you get a sense of this back and forth battle between wildness and solitude that’s inherent in grassland ecosystems. It’s part of what makes them uncommon in today’s world and necessary for humans and wildlife alike. See you on the trail in 2014 – you never know what lies ahead on the prairie.

Snowy owls arrived on the Reserve in early 2013. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRA summer storm is no match for the bison herd on American Prairie Reserve. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRDuring a spring cross country hike, I came upon this hidden nest of vesper sparrow chicks. Photo: Sean Gerrity/APRWhen summer storms roll in late afternoon, the prairie lights up with an impressive show. Photo: APR StaffOur staff appreciate the quiet and adventure found in early morning wildlife watching. Photo: Stacie Costello/APRRainbows like this one can span the length of the entire view, framing the landscape in a surreal light. Photo: APR StaffAPR Board member Gib Myers snapped this shot from the air, capturing the unique topography of the Northern Plains.Before the Reserve started to green up, this lone bull wandered stoically across the spring prairie. Photo: Katy Teson/APRSummer visitors, especially kids, are drawn to scattered water sources much like the wildlife. Photo: APR StaffA young Northern Shoveler shows off its special beak, perfect for straining out its meals. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRBullsnakes are often found sunning themselves in full view and quiet roads in the summer. Photo: Gib Myers/APRWinter is a great time to see life on the prairie unfold, even days later. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRSharp-tailed grouse have a fascinating annual mating dance, which Dennis compares to the feet-stamping tantrums of young children. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRThe transition to fall can be subtle on the prairie, and this crisp morning highlighted the slow change across the Reserve’s dramatic topography. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRAutumn afternoons like this one become rare as we head into November, signaling the departure of many migratory species. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRAs one of the grassland birds that hangs around for winter on the prairie, greater sage-grouse are well camouflaged for survival. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRThe prairie breaks away into stunning cliffs and hoodoo formations as you travel toward the Missouri River. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRDespite a near collapse of the pronghorn population several winters ago, we were encouraged by the sight of small herds earlier this year. Photo: Dennis Lingohr/APRThis colorful cedar waxwing was spotted in August by photographer and staff member Dennis Lingohr.One of our camp facilities is a small blip when shown with the larger landscape. The prairie never ceases to make you feel like part of a bigger system. Photo: Kestrel Aerial/APR

American Prairie Reserve (APR) is assembling a world class wildlife reserve in northern Montana, with the goal of one day creating a seamless 3.5 million acre grassland ecosystem. APR’s President Sean Gerrity is a National GeographicFellow. Learn more about the Reserve, including progress to date and how to visit, on the Reserve’s website.

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